Arsenal in Talks to Sign Real Madrid's Endrick for £34m in January

Arsenal in talks to sign Real Madrid forward Endrick in £34m January deal

Arsenal reportedly remain in contact over a January move for Real Madrid forward Endrick. The Gunners have held talks with the player's representatives, according to TEAMtalk, as they look to reinforce a frontline that lost three senior attackers during the summer window.

Deal: Arsenal interested in signing Endrick from Real Madrid in January
Fee: Valued at around £34m by Transfermarkt
Status: Talks with player's representatives; no agreement with Real Madrid
Competition: Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Fulham expressed interest in the summer
Player contract: Existing deal runs until 2030
Context: Endrick has struggled for regular game time under Jose Mourinho

Deal details

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are interested in signing Endrick and have been holding talks with the player's representatives to persuade him to join in January. The report states that during the international break, Endrick's representatives are set to hold talks with Real Madrid to understand the pathway for him to develop at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Endrick's future at Real Madrid is uncertain after he struggled to find regular game time under Jose Mourinho this season. The Brazilian still believes he can become an important part of the Spanish giants' long-term future, while Los Blancos do not want to lose him permanently yet. With his contract running until 2030, Real Madrid are in a strong position to demand a big fee. Transfermarkt value the forward at around £34m.

TEAMtalk claim that Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Fulham all expressed their interest in signing the youngster during the summer transfer window. Arsenal now appear to be leading the chase, but no fee has been agreed and Real Madrid have not signalled a willingness to sell permanently.

Why Arsenal need attacking reinforcement

Arsenal entered the summer transfer window with Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke as forward options. However, despite selling Jesus, Trossard and Martinelli, Mikel Arteta's side only purchased Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. That leaves the Spanish boss with fewer attacking options than he had last term.

The departures of Jesus, Trossard and Martinelli stripped Arteta of three senior forwards, and the arrival of Tzolis from Club Brugge has not filled that void. Arsenal have still enjoyed a stellar start to the season, but the squad depth in the front line is noticeably thinner than it was 12 months ago. A January addition would restore the attacking options Arteta had last term.

What Endrick would bring to Arsenal

Endrick is a left-footed versatile forward comfortable in the centre-forward and right-wing positions. He is quick, possesses powerful shots and is efficient in finishing off his chances. Having struggled for regular game time at Real Madrid last term, Endrick joined Olympique Lyonnais in January to play regularly and develop his career. He showed glimpses of his qualities at the Groupama Stadium.

The South American is considered one of the best young forwards in the world and would be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal should they purchase him. His ability to play through the middle or off the right would give Arteta a different profile to Gyokeres and Havertz. Endrick's left-footed finishing from the right channel would also add a goal threat that Arsenal currently lack from that side.

Real Madrid's stance is the biggest obstacle. They do not want to lose him permanently yet, and with his deal running until 2030 they can demand a substantial fee. A loan with an option to buy may be the compromise, but Arsenal's talks with the player's camp suggest they are pushing for a permanent January deal at around the £34m Transfermarkt valuation.

Talking points

Arsenal sold Jesus, Trossard and Martinelli but only signed Tzolis. Is Endrick enough to fix a frontline that is now thinner than last season?
Real Madrid do not want to lose Endrick permanently. Should Arsenal accept a loan with an option to buy rather than push for a straight £34m deal?
Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham all showed summer interest. Can Arsenal win the race if the deal becomes a straight auction?
Endrick struggled for minutes under Jose Mourinho. Would he get more regular starts at Arsenal than he does in Madrid?

What happens next

Endrick's representatives are set to hold talks with Real Madrid during the international break to understand his development pathway. Those talks will determine whether he is available in January. If his situation at the Santiago Bernabéu does not change in the coming months, Endrick could leave in the upcoming winter transfer window. Arsenal remain in contact, but no fee or permanent agreement has been reached.

Frequently asked questions

Is Arsenal signing Endrick from Real Madrid?

Arsenal are interested in signing Endrick and have been holding talks with the player's representatives to persuade him to join in January, according to TEAMtalk. No deal has been agreed with Real Madrid.

How much would Endrick cost Arsenal?

Endrick is valued at around £34m by Transfermarkt. Real Madrid are in a strong position to demand a big fee because his existing deal runs until 2030.

Which clubs are interested in Endrick?

TEAMtalk claim that Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Fulham all expressed their interest in signing the youngster in the summer transfer window. Arsenal are now in contact over a January move.